kiss-off

[ kis-awf, -of ]

noun

1. Slang. an act or instance of dismissing a person or thing:

   The company is about to give you the kiss-off, so you'd better start looking for another job.

2. Billiards, Pool. kiss ( def 12 ).

kiss off

verb

1. tr, adverb to ignore or dismiss rudely and abruptly

noun

1. a rude and abrupt dismissal

Word History and Origins

Origin of kiss-off¹

First recorded in 1930–35; noun use of verb phrase kiss off

Example Sentences

“Good Luck, Babe!,” a kiss-off to an ex with a queer twist, has been streamed over 106 million times on Spotify since its early April release; for context, that’s far more than any song on Beyoncé’s splashy “Cowboy Carter,” which arrived a week earlier, with the exception of its lead single, “Texas Hold ’Em.”

From New York Times

In both record and song of the year, Swift and Eilish also face challenges from Rodrigo’s epic-scale kiss-off “Vampire,” and from Cyrus’s “Flowers,” a mellow, disco-infused vamp that was a giant radio and streaming hit and — like “What Was I Made For?” — has a retro vibe that can be catnip to Grammy voters.

From New York Times

Ariana Grande returns with a thumping, crimson-lipped kiss-off on “Yes, And?,” a feather-light confection safely — but still enjoyably — in her comfort zone.

From New York Times

Tedder took it all to heart on singles like the reverse-flirty kiss-off “Exes,” and “Greedy,” a lithe and brash single where McRae taunts a leering dude that “I’m runnin’ this room around and I’m still half your age / You’re lookin’ at me like I’m some sweet escape / It’s obvious that you want me, but I would want myself.”

From Los Angeles Times

Cowbells, handclaps and piano chords drive “Better Things,” a K-pop kiss-off with ingeniously cascading vocal harmonies and absolutely no regrets.

From New York Times

Related Words

• completion
• expiry